With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Eastland, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling costs low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few details that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We offer free estimates at J & J Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At J & J Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a couple other considerations. Some of the most typical sizes include:

  • 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
  • 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
  • 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
  • 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet

Other things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Eastland.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy mandates. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
  • ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
  • Higher SEER-rated air conditioners include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with J & J Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. J & J Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Eastland. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 254-355-3833 to get started right away!